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2007 Volvo C30 T5 First Impressions

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Amyot Bachand

What about the rear?
Volvo claims that the C30 can seat two average-size adults (5'9'' or less) back there. Sliding the front seat forward, I found out that there
(Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com)
was indeed enough space to be comfortable over a long period of time. The seatback angle offers good support for the back. My feet had ample space underneath the rear bench, but my ankles were touching the lower cushion of the front seat. If the driver or front passenger decides to slide his or her seat back, you can forget about the rear seats. In addition, the rear window rake reduces the height of the trunk, which means you better have flexible suitcases. Moreover, the trunk's high threshold is not convenient for loading items, especially heavy ones. However, the rear seats can be folded forward to make up for the lost cargo space.

Drivetrain
(Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com)
Like the S40, the front-wheel drive C30 is available with two 5-cylinder engines and two transmissions. Aside from the 2.4L engine, a 2.5L turbocharged engine can find its way under the hood. Powering the T5 model, it develops 218 horsepower through a 6-speed manual gearbox that is easily manipulated. A 5-speed Geartronic transmission is optional. I tried both.

Suspension and tires
When choosing the manual transmission, you get the firmer
(Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com)
suspension. With the autobox, the suspension is softer. The T5 sits on 17-inch wheels. I hope Volvo Canada will equip the car with stickier tires than the Continental Sport Contact 2 of my test models. On dry pavement, they offered good traction, but on a wet track, they made the car slip and skid. Understeer was also noticeable under hard braking; God knows how you have to brake hard when tackling snake-like mountain roads. Sure, you can opt for 18-inch wheels, but you will likely have to settle for a less comfortable ride. In my mind, the 17-inch wheels were perfect for the T5.

On the road
If you're into sporty driving, the manual gearbox is a must; it allows great accelerations and, despite its long throws, it handles easily and makes the drive very pleasant. You can drive the T5 calmly or
(Photo: Volvo)
aggressively because the torque curve of the turbo engine is generous. My performance results were: 0 to 100 kph in 7.5 seconds and 80 to 120 kph in 5.5 seconds (in third gear). There's room for improvement.

With the automatic transmission, take-offs are respectable since the magic mark of 100 kph is achieved in 8.0 seconds. For safer passing maneuvers, it's better to stay in third gear because you can shave one second off your 80-120 time. This transmission is not sporty and the shifts are a bit slow. That said, it is perfectly matched to the firmness of the suspension. Volvo chose this setup based on the needs of American drivers, who prefer comfort and smoothness. The automatic T5 wants to be driven peacefully. I would have appreciated a more efficient engine brake.
Amyot Bachand
Amyot Bachand
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